Elevating system arranged to adjust the elevation of a plurality of building structures in the event of a flood occurring

Abstract

5 An elevating system (100) is arranged to lift a plurality of building structures in the event of a flood. The system (100) including: at least two elevatable buildings, each having a foundation, a

Description

It is a common problem that land in particular regions, e.g. close to a waterway or beach, can be prone to flooding on a regular, intermittent or unpredictable basis. Furthermore, climate change and extreme weather events potentially increases the probability of flooding in a given area and / or introduces risk to places where there had never previously been a problem. This issue has particular significance in the UK and will be an ever increasing problem as population density increases. Real estate in flood prone areas is often desirable for aesthetic reasons but can be uninsurable due to the high probability of damage to conventional building structures. Conversely, land in flood prone areas can be obtained at lower cost, such that it is attractive for social housing, but presents a high risk as a building project. It is clear that the ever increasing likelihood of flood events has created a need for housing which can resist and / or otherwise survive periods of flood. The most common strategy for reacting to a flood situation is to build barriers, e g. of sandbags, that deflect water around a home or larger collection of buildings. Such solutions must be deployed rapidly which presents significant challenges and, in any event, the degree of protection is limited by height of such barriers which, in turn, is limited by resources and other practical considerations. In countries that have large regions under constant threat of inundation, such as The Netherlands, other approaches to the problem of flooding have been explored. A popular approach is to utilise floating structures / foundations upon which to build a house. Indeed, such technology is often used to produce permanently floating houses which can be located on a river or canal, etc. Known types of floating house system include a hull type and a raft type. The hull type excludes water in the same way a boat does and, at a certain depth of water, becomes buoyant. The raft type incorporates buoyancy into a deep supporting foundation slab. The completed building is typically moored to a post, e.g. by steel arms, and can rise and fall with flood waters or tide. These types of design are appropriate for water fronts or controlled flooding locations; however, they are not suited for situations where there are high flow flood waters and where flood debris is likely. It is also noteworthy that the UK Housing Act gives security of tenure to people living legally on land, but floating dwellings such as house boats do not have the same security of tenure. Furthermore, with regard to hull and raft types of floating house, there is a lack of control when returning the property to ground level after flood waters recede. Another form of floating home is an amphibious house type which is secured on thick steel posts. Such designs can be more resilient to flood because of the more secure structure. An amphibious house uses a passive lifting system based on buoyancy where it may have a hollow concrete basement and telescopic piles allowing the house to rise with water level. One problem associated with such designs is that there is no way to control the lowering of the house when waters recede which could lead to debris being trapped underneath the base, resulting in an uneven resting position. Similarly, these solutions are not suited to occasionally flooded land because of the high build price (roughly twice a traditional house). WO98 / 22663 describes a floatation system for a building that includes a watertight basement that can rise and fall in relation to guideposts located at the comers. The -2- guideposts have a ratchet system to maintain the building at a desired height, by virtue of rising water. The preferred embodiment also envisages the use of pressurised cylinders for lifting the building prior to a surge of flood water. Nevertheless, such an elaborate system is very expensive to build and unsuited for social housing projects intended to be erected on low cost land. It is also known to provide houses that can be elevated when a flood occurs by means of a lifting mechanism. Such lifting mechanisms rely on a mains supply of electricity to operate the lifting mechanism, or at least to operate electronic control systems, which in turn operate the lifting mechanism. However, it is often the case that during a flood the mains electricity supply is unavailable, for example because the flooding has damaged a local electrical substation. Accordingly, it is desirable to have an elevating system that has the ability to elevate houses in a flood risk area in the event that a flood occurs and the mains electrical system is not available to power the lifting mechanisms. It is also desirable that the elevating system is arranged in an efficient manner, and avoids duplication of equipment where possible. In particular SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide an elevating system and method that is capable of raising a plurality of elevatable buildings in a flood risk area, in a controlled and efficient manner. According to one aspect there is provided an elevatable building according to claim 1. Further features of the invention are defined in the appended claims. The invention enables multiple elevatable buildings to be moved to an elevated position when there is a high risk of a flood occurring, even in the event that the mains electricity should fail. According to another aspect there is provided an elevating system arranged to adjust the elevation of a plurality of building structures in the event of a flood occurring. The elevating system can include a first elevatable building. The first elevatable building can include a first foundation set into the ground. The first elevatable building can include a first platform. The first elevatable building can include a first building structure mounted on the first platform. The first elevatable building can include a first lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the first platform relative to the first foundation. The first elevatable building can include a first drive system arranged to control operation of the first lifting mechanism to raise and lower the first platform. The elevating system can include a second elevatable building. The second elevatable building can include a second foundation set into the ground. The second elevatable building can include a second platform. The second elevatable building can include a second building structure mounted on the second platform. The second elevatable building can include a second lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the second platform relative to the second foundation. The second elevatable building can include a second drive system arranged to control operation of the second lifting mechanism to raise and lower the second platform. The elevating system can include a rechargeable battery arranged to power the first and second drive systems thereby enabling the first drive system to drive the first lifting mechanism and the second drive system to drive the second lifting mechanism. The elevating system can include a control system. The control system can be arranged to control operation of the first and second drive systems. The control system can be arranged to control charging of the rechargeable battery. The control system can be arranged to receive flood alerts and / or weather forecast data. In response to receipt of a flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data, the control system can be arranged to measure the state of charge of the rechargeable battery, determine if the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is below a threshold value of charge required to power the first drive system to raise the first platform to a safe vertical height and to drive the second drive system to raise the second platform to a safe vertical height. In a condition wherein the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is below the threshold value, the control system can be arranged to charge the battery to a state of charge that is greater than or equal to the threshold value. The control system may use mains electricity and / or at least one auxiliary electrical supply to charge the battery. Typically, the control system is arranged to charge the battery to 100% of its charge capacity in response to receipt of a flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data. Thus the threshold value can be selected to be the maximum charge capacity of the battery. The elevating system can include at least one further elevatable building. Each further elevating building can include a further foundation set into the ground. Each further elevating building can include a further platform. Each further elevating building can include a further building structure mounted on the further platform. Each further elevating building can include a further lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the further platform relative to the further foundation. Each further elevating building can include a further drive system arranged to control operation of the further lifting mechanism to raise and lower the further platform. The rechargeable battery can be arranged to power each further drive system thereby enabling the further drive system to drive each further lifting mechanism. The housing development can include any suitable number of elevatable buildings. The battery can be arranged to power n drive systems, typically n is in the range 2 to 100. The control system can be arranged to control operation of each further drive system. The control system can be arranged to control charging of the rechargeable battery such that, in response to receipt of the flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data, the control system is arranged to determine if the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is below a threshold charge value required to power the first drive system, second drive system and each further drive system to raise the first platform, second platform and each further platform respectively to a safe vertical height. The at least one auxiliary electrical supply can include a generator, for example a bio diesel generator. The at least one auxiliary electrical supply can include at least one photovoltaic cell, and preferably a plurality of photovoltaic cells. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic cells can be arranged to trickle charge the battery. That is, the photovoltaic cells can be arranged to continuously charge the battery, for example at a low rate. The control system can include means for detecting loss of a mains electrical signal. For example, the control system can include an automatic transfer switch. The control system can be arranged to, in response to the automatic transfer switch detecting loss of a mains electrical signal, supply electricity to the battery from the at least one auxiliary electrical supply. For example, the control system can be arranged to actuate the generator to supply electricity to the battery and / or the control system can be arranged to supply electricity from the photovoltaic cells to the battery. The control system can include at least one sensor arranged to detect flood water, and preferably the control system can include a plurality of sensors arranged to detect flood water. In response to the at least one water detection sensor detecting the presence of flood water, the control system can be arranged to actuate the first drive system to raise the first platform and to actuate the second drive system to raise the second platform. Optionally, in response to the at least one water detection sensor detecting the presence of flood water, -6- the control system can be arranged to actuate each further drive system to raise each further respective platform. The at least one sensor can include a sensor located distal from the first and second elevatable buildings, for example adjacent a site boundary or adjacent a water course. The at least one water detection sensor can be mounted to a bollard. The housing site can include a plurality of bollards, wherein each bollard includes a sensor arranged to detect flood water. The bollards can be distributed about the housing site. At least some of the bollards can be located adjacent a site boundary. At least some of the bollards can be located adjacent a water course. At least one water detection can be mounted on the first platform; and / or at least one water detection sensor can be mounted on the second platform. Optionally, at least one water detection sensor can be mounted on each further platform. The first elevatable building can include a backup power supply. The backup power supply can be arranged to supply electricity to a consumer unit in the event of a loss of mains electrical power supply to the consumer unit. The backup power supply can include a battery for supplying power to house loads. The backup power supply can include at least one photovoltaic cell. The control system can include an automatic changeover panel for emergency power supply, which can be arranged to operate the at least one backup power supply in response to a loss of mains electrical power. The second elevatable building can include a backup power supply. The backup power supply can be arranged to supply electricity to a consumer unit in the event of a loss of mains electrical power supply to the consumer unit. The backup power supply can include a battery for supplying power to house loads. The backup power supply can include at least one photovoltaic cell. The control system can include an automatic changeover panel for emergency power supply, which can be arranged to operate the at least one backup power supply in response to a loss of mains electrical power. Each further elevatable building can include a backup power supply. Each backup power supply can be arranged to supply electricity to a respective consumer unit in the event of a loss of mains electrical power supply to the respective consumer unit. The backup power supply can include a battery for supplying power to house loads. The backup power supply can include at least one photovoltaic cell. The control system can include an automatic changeover panel for emergency power supply, which can be arranged to operate the at least one backup power supply in response to a loss of mains electrical power. Each elevatable building can include a second consumer unit. Each elevatable building can include a circuit breaker arranged to isolate the second consumer unit from the backup power supply in response to a control signal, which indicates a loss of mains power supply. For example, essential electrical loads can be connected to the consumer unit. Non-essential electrical loads can be connected to the second consumer unit. In the event of a loss of mains power, the circuit breaker can be arranged to isolate the non-essential electrical loads from the backup power supply. This helps to extend the charged state of the backup power supply. Each elevatable building can include an energy management system. In response to the flood alert and / or adverse weather data, the energy management system can be arranged to check the charge status of its backup battery. If the backup battery has less than 100% charge, the energy management system can be arranged to charge the battery to 100% capacity, preferably using cheap rate mains electricity (e.g. overnight electricity). In some embodiments, each elevatable building can include at least one photovoltaic cell and the energy management system can be arranged to charge the backup battery with the at least one photovoltaic cell. The energy management system can be arranged to estimate the energy needs for its elevated building within the next 24 hour period, undertake a charge status check for its backup battery, and in the event that the charge status is below a value for meeting the energy needs for the next 24 hours, the energy management system can be arranged to charge the backup battery, for example by using low priced mains electricity and / or energy from photovoltaic cells. The estimate of energy needs for the next 24 hours can be based on historical data and / or learned behaviours. The first drive system can include a first electric motor. The control system can be arranged to control operation of the first electric motor to drive the first lifting mechanism to elevate the first platform. The first lifting mechanism can include a plurality of vertical shafts, which are arranged to raise and lower the first platform. Each vertical shaft can include a screw thread. For example, the first lifting mechanism can include a plurality of screw jacks, which are arranged to raise and lower the first platform. The screw jacks are driven by the first electric motor. The first electric motor can be connected to the screwjacks by one or more drive shafts. The screw jacks can protrude through respective apertures in the first platform. The first platform can be driven axially along screw jacks. When the first platform is in its lowermost position, the screwjacks protrude into walls of the building structure, and are therefore hidden from view. The first platform can be rectangular in plan. One screwjack can be located adjacent each comer of the first platform. The second drive system can include a second electric motor. The control system can be arranged to control operation of the second electric motor to drive the second lifting mechanism to elevate the second platform. The second lifting mechanism can include a plurality of vertical shafts, which are arranged to raise and lower the second platform. Each vertical shaft can include a screw thread. For example, the second lifting mechanism can include a plurality of screwjacks, which are arranged to raise and lower the second platform. The screwjacks are driven by the second electric motor. The second electric motor can be connected to the screw jacks by one or more drive shafts. The screwjacks can protrude through respective apertures in the second platform. The second platform can be driven axially along screwjacks. When the second platform is in its lowermost position, the screwjacks protrude into walls of the building structure, and are therefore hidden from view. The second platform can be rectangular in plan. One screwjack can be located adjacent each comer of the second platform. Each further drive system can include a further electric motor, and the control system can be arranged to control operation of each further electric motor to drive each respective further lifting mechanism to elevate each respective further platform. Each further lifting mechanism can include a plurality of vertical shafts, which are arranged to raise and lower each respective further platform. Each vertical shaft can include a screw thread, for example, each further lifting mechanism can include a plurality of screwjacks, which are arranged to raise and lower each respective further platform. The screwjacks are driven by each respective further electric motor. For example, each further electric motor can be connected to its respective screwjacks by one or more drive shafts. The screw jacks can protrude through respective apertures in the respective further platform. The respective further platform can be driven axially along screwjacks. When the respective further platform is in its lowermost position, the screwjacks protrude into walls of the respective building structure, and are therefore hidden from view. Each further platform can be rectangular in plan. One screwjack can be located adjacent each corner of each further platform In some embodiments the first lifting mechanism can include at least one scissor lift and the first drive system can be arranged to drive the scissor lift. In some embodiments the second lifting mechanism can include at least one scissor lift and the second drive system can be arranged to drive the scissor lift. Optionally, each further lifting mechanism can include at least one scissor lift and each further drive system can be arranged to drive the respective scissor lift(s). Each lifting mechanism can include a plurality of scissor lifts, and the respective drive systems are each arranged to drive the respective plurality of scissor lifts. Each of the elevatable buildings can include a respective adaptable connection for directing utility services from the ground level toward and / or into the habitable space, wherein the adaptable connection is capable of adapting to the height from ground level of the platform when it can be raised or lowered by the lifting mechanism, thereby enabling utility services to remain connected while the platform is raised. The utility services may include at least one of: a water supply, a sewerage line, electricity line, telecommunications line, and a gas line. For example, each of the aforementioned utilities can have a flexible connection to the housing structure, with sufficient length to enable the housing structure to be raised to its highest extent without disconnecting any of the utilities. Each building structure can comprise a plurality of walls and a roof assembled on the first platform that define a habitable space of the building. The adaptable connection incorporates and / or acts as a duct for any of the following services, singularly or in combination: potable water piping, waste water piping, electrical cabling, communications cabling. The adaptable connection can include a telescopic column or cladding. The flood warning system can be a real-time flood warning system. The flood warning alert can comprise at least one of: digital data; an email, a Short-Message-Service (SMS) message, or radio signals from a transponder. The control system can be programmed with platform safe height settings based on local flood risk levels. The weather forecast data can be a day ahead weather forecast, and can be preferably obtained from a meteorology database. The control system can be arranged to determine from the weather forecast data if it is likely to rain tomorrow. At least one of the first, second and third lifting mechanisms can include at least one guide post extending vertically from the foundation. The at least one guide post can be telescopic and / or received by a sleeve portion of the platform. In some embodiments there are a plurality of guide posts positioned adjacent comers of the building. In some embodiments the plurality of walls and / or roof are lightweight in order to assist / contribute to structural performance. In some embodiments at least one of the first, second and further lifting mechanisms includes at least one elongate sleeve for accommodating at least one vertical shaft. In some embodiments, each electric motor comprises a torque motor. In some embodiments at least one threaded vertical shaft is engageable with a drive surface that rotates the vertical shaft causing the platform to move axially relative to the vertical shaft. In some embodiments each threaded vertical shaft is engageable with a respective drive surface that rotates the vertical shaft causing the platform to move axially relative to the vertical shaft. In some embodiments at least one threaded vertical shaft is received in a sleeve above the platform. In some embodiments substantially the entire of the at least one threaded vertical shaft is hidden from view within the walls, supporting columns or associated cladding. The elevating system can include a plurality of shaft housings, and a plurality of drive shafts, wherein each shaft housing receives one of the drive shafts that is connected to the electric motor. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method according to claim 32. The method can include providing a first elevatable building, having a first foundation at ground level; a first platform; a first building structure mounted on the first platform; a first lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the first platform relative to the first foundation; and a first drive system arranged to control operation of the first lifting mechanism to raise and lower the first platform. The method can include providing a second elevatable building, having a second foundation at ground level surface; a second platform; a second building structure mounted on the second platform; a second lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the second platform relative to the second foundation; and a second drive system arranged to control operation of the second lifting mechanism to raise and lower the second platform. The method can include providing a rechargeable battery. The method can include providing a control system. The method can include the control system receiving a flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data, and in response to receiving the flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data, measuring the state of charge of the rechargeable battery and determining if the state of charge of the rechargeable battery can be below a threshold charge value which can be required to power the first and second drive systems to raise the first and second platforms respectively to a safe vertical height. The method can include in a condition wherein the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is below the threshold value, charging the battery using mains electricity and / or at least one auxiliary electrical supply, to a state of charge that can be greater than or equal to the threshold value. The method can include the control system powering the first drive system from the rechargeable battery to drive the first lifting mechanism and powering second drive system from the rechargeable battery to drive the second lifting mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic diagram for a system for elevating a group of elevatable houses in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a lightweight house construction, incorporated into an elevatable building; Figure 3 is an isometric view of an elevatable platform, in a lowered position, which is used in the elevatable building to raise the lightweight house construction of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows the elevatable platform from Figure 3 in a raised position; Figure 5 is an isometric view of part of an underside of the elevatable platform of Figure 1 together with part of an elevating mechanism; Figure 6 shows an upper side of the part of the platform, shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a pictorial view of a part of the elevating mechanism; Figure 8 is an underside view of a comer of the elevatable platform; Figure 9 is an upper view of the corner portion shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is an isometric view of an elevatable house at ground level; Figure 11 is an isometric view of the elevatable house of Figure 10 in a raised condition; Figures 12 and 13 show aspects of an adaptable connection for utility services; Figures 14a and 14b are first and second parts respectively of a flow diagram for an algorithm for charging a battery, which is used to power motorised jacks to raise the group of houses in the event of a flood, for the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 15 is a schematic diagram for a system for elevating a group of elevatable houses in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and Figures 14a and 14b are first and second parts respectively of a flow diagram for an algorithm for charging a battery, which is used to power motorised jacks to raise the group of houses in the event of a flood, for the embodiment of Figure 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Figure 1 shows diagrammatically an elevating system 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The elevating system 100 includes a plurality of elevatable buildings 102, for example a housing development may include any suitable number of elevatable buildings, alternatively the invention can be used in the context of holiday lodges. Typically, the housing development will be in a location that is prone to flooding and the elevating system 100 in accordance with the invention is arranged to minimise the damage caused to the buildings 10 by flood waters. Each elevatable building 102 includes a foundation 18 located in the ground, an elevatable platform 15, and a building structure 10 mounted on the elevatable platform 15. Each elevatable building 102 includes a lifting mechanism 104 which is arranged to raise and lower the first platform relative to the foundation, and a drive system 106 for controlling operation of the lifting mechanism 104 to raise and lower the platform. Figure 2 shows an example of a type of building structure 10 that can be mounted on the platform 15 in some embodiments. The building structure 10 can be a light weight building structure. Any suitable building structure can be used, for example building structures made from timber. In the illustrated form, house 10 is built on two levels with a main base 11, a first floor 12 and a roof 13. The house 10 is intended to be constructed to meet current building standards. The dwelling (e.g. particularly the base 11, roof 13 and side -15- walls 14 - shown in collapsed form in Figure 1) should be weather-proof, but not necessarily sealed because it is intended to lift above flood waters should the need arise, as will be described hereinafter. The house 10 is intended to be highly energy efficient so that the cost of heating and / or cooling the living space will be minimised. A skilled person in the art of modern building manufacture will be familiar with the kinds of materials and specifications used to construct a lightweight house according to the invention. An exact selection of materials is not intended to limit the invention. Of course, it will be possible to substitute various components for alternative, new and / or improved materials as these become known. The platform 15 can be constructed from rigid beam members, for example in a shape that generally conforms to the base 11 of house 10. The base shown in Figure 2 is rectangular in plan, however, other shapes are contemplated such as an L-shape. Indeed, the elevatable platform 15 could also incorporate curved / circular parts depending on the house design. At its lowest level (as shown in Figure 2) platform 15 can rest on piles or other foundation supports 18 that achieve a horizontal resting place for the platform 15. The lifting mechanism 104 includes an arrangement of powered lifting devices 19 located at strategic positions around platform 15. The lifting devices 19 can be located adjacent respective guideposts 16, but this is not essential. In Figures 3 to 9 the lifting devices 19 are shown only at a peripheral edges of the platform 15 but could be located at convenient positions inside the periphery. Indeed, lifting device 19, and optionally a guidepost 16, can be located at a central portion of the house corresponding to the centre of gravity and, in practice, hidden within a wall or column, with internal panels of the house allowing access for maintenance of the system. In some embodiments each lifting device 19 comprises a screwjack. Each screwjack can include a threaded vertical shaft 20. Each threaded vertical shaft 20 can extend through a respective housing 21 that incorporates a mechanism to cause rotation of the threaded shaft 20 and hence enable the housing 21 to move along a longitudinal axis of the vertical shaft -16- 20 to adjust the position of the platform 15 with respect to the vertical shaft 20, thereby adjusting the position of the platform 15 relative to the found 18. Optionally, each threaded shaft 19 can be received above platform 15 in a sleeve 22 of comparable length, such that the entire threaded portion is substantially enclosed when platform 15 is in its lowermost position (Figure 3), which corresponds to most of its service life. In other words, since house 10 and platform 15 is only intended to be raised during an emergency flood event, threaded shafts 19 will normally not be visible. The lifting mechanism 104 is driven by the drive system 106. The drive system 106 can include at least one electric motor 106a, such as at least one torque motor. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 104 is driven by a single electric motor 106a, such as a torque motor. With this arrangement, each screwjack is powered by the single electric motor. This helps to ensures that movement of all screw jacks is synchronised and therefore maintains the platform 15 level as it is raised and lowered. For example, each housing 21 can receive a respective drive shaft 23 which is driven by the single electric motor to actuate the elevation function. Optionally, the elevatable building 102 can include an arrangement of guide posts 16 which are arranged to guide movement of the platform 15. In some embodiments, the guide posts 16 are arranged to pass through the platform 15 as it is raised and lowered. Preferably the guideposts 16 are located at strategic positions, for example at each comer of the platform 15. Each guide post 16 can be received by a sleeve 17 (best seen in Figure 8) provided through beam 15 and co-extends with its associated post far enough to ensure that platform 15 must rise or fall evenly and in a substantially horizontal plane. The guide posts 16 can be telescopic in nature. Preferably, the guideposts 16 move within the cavity space in the walls of the building mounted on the platform 15 and can be fully integrated into the design of the building so they are not externally visible. In such cases, internal removable panels can be provided for maintenance. Services may also utilise the void in the cavity i.e. potable water. It is noteworthy that a foundation portion 18 (preferably of -17- concrete) should preferably be arranged in a horizontally level excavation, however, it is conceivable that the foundation could be built into uneven ground and the guideposts 16 have corresponding uneven lengths, but ensure that the platform 15 itself remains horizontally level at all times. In some embodiments, the threaded vertical members 20 and upstanding sleeve portions 22 are hidden within sidewalls, supporting columns of the house or associated cladding such that it is not externally apparent that the house is capable of being raised from its foundations, when the platform 15 is in its lowest, resting, position. The main benefit of this is that there can be a traditional (or custom) appearance to the external finish of the property. In some embodiments, the guideposts 16 and upstanding sleeve portions 17 are hidden within sidewalls, supporting columns of the house or associated cladding such that it is not externally apparent that the house is capable of being raised from its foundations, when the platform 15 is in its lowest, resting, position. The main benefit of this is that there can be a traditional (or custom) appearance to the external finish of the property. It will be clear to a skilled reader that the maximum elevation of the platform 15 is dictated by the arrangement of the vertical shafts 20, and where used the guideposts 16. The elevation requirements of any particular house can be assessed according to historical and projected flood data for the likelihood and severity of a flood in a particular area. However, an expected ‘standard’ specification of lift mechanism 104 according to the invention could be, for example, two metres above ground level, with a lifting capacity of twenty tonnes. For the house to remain habitable when at an elevated position it is intended that service and drainage connections be adapted for continued use, i.e. at a height of approximately two metres for at least three days, while flood waters inundate the foundations of the house. This requires consideration of water supply / removal, electricity, gas and telecommunications. In practice it is likely that municipal supplies will be turned off during a flood situation for safety reasons, however, the present system makes provision for reconnection as soon as services are available or provides the ability for vital functions to remain active in the event of an emergency. Figures 9 to 12 illustrate various features of the connections which could enable an elevated house to be habitable. Figure 9 illustrates a house 10 in a normal grounded position where a power / telephone pole 26 is situated adjacent. Relatively little modification to conventional connections may be needed so long as power line 27 has sufficient flexibility and length to account for a 2 metre change in elevation. Alternatively, or in addition, various connections may be made from an underground supply by way of a telescopic column or cladding 28, best shown by Figure 12. It is preferable that utilities are collected together at one comer of the house 10 and contained within the service column 28 which is weather proof, resilient and protective. For example, potable water could flow within the vertical steel stanchion. Figure 10 shows the house 10 in a raised position where column 28 is extended. Services are connectable via flexible pipes, i.e. coiled (Figure 11) 29 and / or telescopic 30, to accommodate elevation of the house, e.g. up to two metres. Preferably the main sewage line 31 out of house 10 is fitted with a non-return valve 32 in order to prevent foul water back into the property. The integral self-activating flap valve will operate under flood conditions when water surges back through the drainage system. Outgoing waste can also be bypassed to an emergency waste water tank 33 located underground. After flood waters have receded and the property is back at ground level, flow to the main sewage system will return and tank 33 can be emptied and cleaned by a service engineer. In some embodiments, the electricity, gas and telecommunications lines can have flexible lines, which will allow the house to be raised and lowered will out breaking the -19- connections. In other embodiments, a disconnection mechanism can be provided to temporarily disconnect the electricity, gas and telecommunications lines from the elevatable house 102, prior to the house being raised. In either case, the elevatable house 102 can be fitted with solar photovoltaic panels 34 on the roof, which will provide a source of electrical energy to the house when in an elevated condition. This is particularly useful in conditions where there is a loss of mains 112 supply to the elevatable building 102. The elevatable building 102 can include a battery 103 (hereinafter referred to as the “house battery 103”) and an emergency power supply (EPS) 107 that is dedicated to that building 102, and can be used to supply electricity to that building 102 in the event of a loss of mains 112 supply. The house battery 103 can be charged the mains 112 supply and / or the photovoltaic cells 34. The house battery 103 stores energy and helps to ensure that the house has an electricity supply for the time while it is in an elevated condition. The elevatable building 102 includes a consumer unit 105, which distributes electricity to the various electrical loads in the building, such as space heaters, electric boiler, panel heater, cylinder for hot water element, EV chargers, cooking devices such as ovens and hobs, ring circuits, and lighting. The house battery 103 and mains 112 are connected to the consumer unit 105. In the event of a loss of mains 112 supply, the house battery 103 is available to provide electricity to the electrical loads via the consumer unit 105. The mains electricity 112 is supplied to each elevatable house 102 from a grid transformer 113 to a grid bulk meter 115, an AC site switch room 117, and a respective house meter 119. A mains 112 supply is delivered to the elevating system’s communal battery 108 from the AC site switch room 117. The elevating function is managed by an electronic control system 114. The control system 114 can be triggered manually (by an override function) or in automatic response to a particular signal or determination by the control system, as described further below. The speed of elevation can be as fast or slow as practical and safe according to the operating capabilities of the components and the system can be set to have different height settings based on local flood risk levels. A relatively slow elevation would provide the best power efficiency and would be suitable in almost all circumstances, except a flash flood caused by a river breaking its banks etc., although even an event such as that could be predicted ahead of time. The communal battery 108 is arranged to power the drive systems 106 for a plurality of elevatable houses 102, in at least some conditions. The battery 108 is referred to as a “communal” battery since the battery 108 provides electrical power to the drive systems 106 for multiple elevatable buildings 102. Typically, the communal battery 108 is arranged to power the drive systems 106 for n elevatable houses, wherein n is in the range 2 to 50, and preferably 10 to 30. For example, the communal battery 108 can have an energy capacity of 300 kWh and is arranged to power the drive systems for 20 elevatable houses 102, each of which require 5kW of powers to operate the motors 106a. In this arrangement, the drive system motors 106a can be AC. motors, and the elevating system 100 can include an inverter that is rated at 100 kW, which means that when the communal battery 108 is fully charged it would be capable of operating all 20 drive system motors for around 3 hours, which is a much longer period of time than is required to raise the elevatable buildings 102, which may take, for example around 20 minutes to raise to their maximum heights. In another example, wherein the invention is used in the context of holiday lodges, the invertor can be rated at 150 kW, the drive system motors are rated at 1.5 kW each, which means that when the communal battery 108 is fully charged it would be capable of operating 100 drive system motors for around 2 hours. For housing developments having a larger number of elevatable buildings, either the capacity of the communal battery 108 is increased to accommodate the larger number of elevatable buildings 102, or at least one further communal battery 108 is provided to power the drive systems 106 for another group of elevatable buildings 102 on the housing development. Thus a large housing development, may have several community batteries 108, wherein each community battery 108 is arranged to power the drive systems 106 for its respective group elevatable buildings 102 on the site. The drive system 106 for each elevatable house 102 can be driven by the mains 112 electricity when available. The drive system 106 for each elevatable house 102 can be driven by the communal battery 108 in a condition wherein there is a loss of mains 112 power. For example, the grid may be hit by flooding prior to the flooding reaching the housing site. The elevating system 100 can include means for detecting when a loss of mains 112 power occurs, for example the elevating system 100 can include an automatic transfer switch 110. The automatic transfer switch 110 is connected to the control system 114, which can comprise, for example, a programable logic controller (PLC). The control system 114 is arranged to power each drive system 106 with the communal battery 108 in the event of a loss of mains signal 112. In some operational conditions, for example when the communal battery 108 is fully charged or the level of charge exceeds a threshold value, the control system 114 can switch in the communal battery 108 to power the drive systems 106. In other operational conditions, for example if the communal battery 108 has a level of charge that is below the threshold value, the control system 114 can be arranged to actuate at least one auxiliary power source 116,118, for example a generator such as a bio diesel generator and / or an arrangement of photovoltaic cells, which are arranged to charge the communal battery 108. Having actuated at least one auxiliary power source 116,118 to charge the communal battery 108, the control system can immediately commence powering each drive system 106, or alternatively can wait until the threshold value of charge has been reached. In some embodiments only one auxiliary power source 116,118 is provided. In other embodiments a plurality of auxiliary power sources 116,118 is provided. Where a plurality of auxiliary power sources 116,118 are provided, the control system 114 can be arranged to select the appropriate power source(s) 116,118 to charge the communal battery according to an algorithm, for example to minimise cost of charging, to maximise speed of charging, or to prolong the life of the battery 108. The control system 114 can be arranged to periodically check the state of charge of the communal battery 108. The control system 114 can be arranged to charge the communal battery 108 if the level of charge falls below a second threshold value. The second threshold value can be, for example 50% level of charge. If the mains 112 supply is available, the control system 114 may use the mains 112 supply to charge the communal batter 108. In the event that the mains 112 supply is unavailable, or if the cost of using the mains 112 supply is too high, the control system 114 can be arranged to actuate at least one of the auxiliary power sources 116,118 to charge the communal battery 108 in the event that the level of charge falls below the second threshold value. Each elevatable house 102 can include a water detection sensor WDS that is arranged to detect flood water. For example, a water detection sensor WDS can be located on an underside of each platform 15. Each water detection sensor WDS is connected to the control system 114, and provides output signals thereto. The control system 114 can be programmed to determine from the signals received from the water detection sensors WDSs if flood waters have been detected in the vicinity of the elevatable building 102. If the control system 114 determines from the sensor signals received that flood waters have been detected by one or more of the water detection sensors WDSs the control system 114 can be arranged to commence a building raising operation for at least one, and preferably each, of the elevatable houses 102. The elevating system 100 can include at least one water detection sensor WDS which is located adjacent a site perimeter and / or adjacent a water course. In some embodiments a plurality of water detection sensors WDSs are distributed across the site with at least some of those sensors being located towards the site boundaries and / or adjacent water courses. For example, each water detection sensor WDS can be mounted on a respective bollard. As the flood waters rise, the water detection sensors WDS can detect the water adjacent the -23- bollard. Each water detection sensor WDS is connected to the control system 114, and provides output signals thereto. The control system 114 can be programmed to determine from the signals received from the water detection sensors WDSs if flood waters have been detected in the vicinity of the housing development. If the control system 114 determines from the sensor signals received that flood waters have been detected which threaten the housing development the control system 114 can be arranged to commence a building raising operation for at least one, and preferably each, of the elevatable houses 102. The control system 114 can be arranged to receive flood alerts in an electronic format. The flood alerts can be received from, for example commercially available services, government departments, environment agencies or academic institutions. Any organisation that provides the alerts in a suitable format can be used. The control system 114 can be arranged to process the flood alerts and to use the flood alerts to determine a charging strategy for the communal battery 108 to ensure that the communal battery 108 is fully charged, or at least has a charge that is greater than or equal to the threshold level of charge required to power all of the drive systems 106, at a time that is sufficiently in advance of the flood waters arriving at the site to enable the elevatable houses 102 to be raised to a safe height. For example, some alert services provide a 12 hour notice period for any floods that are likely to occur in the vicinity of the site. Upon receipt of a flood alert, the control system 114 checks the charge status of the communal battery 108. The control system 114 is programmed with the drive system 106 power requirements, and the length of time that it takes to raise each of the elevated buildings 102 from the ground position to a safe (possibly the maximum) height, and then determines a charging strategy for the communal battery 108 to ensure that the communal battery 108 has sufficient charge to elevate the platforms 15 of the elevatable buildings 102 prior to the arrival of the flood waters. Thus, in the event that the mains 112 electricity supply is not available at the relevant time, it will still be possible to raise all of the elevatable buildings 102 to the safe height prior to the flood waters arriving. The control system 114 can be arranged to receive weather data in an electronic format. The weather data can be received from, for example commercially available services, government departments, environment agencies or academic institutions. Any organisation that provides the weather data in a suitable format can be used. The weather data includes expected precipitation such as rainfall, snow, hail, etc, for the day ahead (24 hour period). The weather data can also include a least one of: air temperature, hours of sunlight, level of irradiation, and windspeed. Any available weather data can be provided. The control system 114 can be arranged to process the weather data to determine if there is a sufficient amount of precipitation is likely to occur over a predetermined period of time, which may cause flooding to occur at the site. In the event that the control system 114 determines from the weather data that there is a sufficient risk of flooding occurring, the control system 114 checks the charge status of the communal battery 108 and determines a charging strategy for the communal battery 108 to ensure that the communal battery 108 is fully charged, or at least has a charge that is greater than or equal to the threshold level of charge required to power all of the drive systems 106, at a time that is sufficiently far in advance of flood waters arriving at the site to enable the platforms 15 to raised to a safe height. The control system 114 is programmed with the drive system 106 power requirements, and the length of time that it takes to raise each of the elevated buildings 102 from the ground position to a safe (possibly the maximum) height, and therefore is able to determine a charging strategy for the communal battery 108 to ensure that the communal battery 108 has sufficient charge to elevate the platforms 15 of the elevatable buildings 102 prior to the arrival of the flood waters. Thus, in the event that the mains 112 electricity supply is not available at the relevant time, it will still be possible to raise all of the elevatable buildings 102 to the safe height. The weather data of course may indicate that there will be rain within the 24 hour period, however on most occasions the amount of precipitation is likely to be below the level required for flooding to occur. Risks profiles can be programmed into the control system 114 so that the control system 114 is able to assess the likelihood of a flood occurring -25- given the amount of rain forecast. The control system 114 can also take into account weather data relating to previous days, for example if there has been a number of consecutive days on which rain has fallen, in some circumstances this can present a higher risk of flooding than a single day of very heavy rain. The control system 114 can also take into account weather data relating areas remote from the housing development, if weather in the remote area(s) can have an impact on the risk of flooding occurring at the housing development. For example, if the housing development is located downstream of a mountainous area, wherein the housing development is liable to flooding if heavy rain occurs in the mountainous area, the control system 114 can receive weather data for the mountainous area in addition to weather data in the vicinity of the housing development. The control system 114 can be arranged to assess the risk of flooding occurring at the housing development on the basis of both sets of weather data. It will be appreciated that by having both the flood alerts and the weather data, the control system 114 is able to provide a flood risk check. For example, by comparing the flooding alert with its assessment of the weather data, the control system 114 is able to reduce the number of times which the control system 114 raises the elevatable buildings 102 when no flooding in fact occurs. Thus the system 114 is more accurate. Figures 14a and 14b show a flow diagram relating to a possible algorithm for charging the communal battery 108 and for supplying electricity to an elevatable building 10. Stage 1 activities relate to day to day energy supply matters to the elevatable building 102, and Stage 2 activities relate to the steps taken to raise the elevatable building 102. The flow diagram starts with the half hourly mains electricity rates being set for the day 200. These charges are applicable to the mains 112 electricity supplied to the elevatable building and the community battery 108. In some embodiments there may be other tariffs available, for example dual tariffs can be available. In some embodiments, only single price tariffs may be available. The control system checks 202 the state of charge of the community battery 108. The control system 114 receives 204 the weather forecast data from a database 206. The control system determines 208 from the weather forecast data if precipitation is forecast for the next 24 hours. Regardless of the outcome of the precipitation determination at step 208, in consideration of supplying electricity to the house mounted on the platform 15, a home energy management system (HEMS) calculates 212 the electrical energy requirements for the 24 hours ahead based on learnt behaviour data, which can be stored in a database 214. The HEMS checks the charge status of the house battery 103. If the HEMS determines that the house battery 103 has a high charge 216, for example compared with the estimated electrical power usage for that day, the HEMS then determines 225 that it is not necessary to charge the house battery 103 at that time. If the HEMS determines that the house battery 103 has a low charge 218, for example compared with the estimated electrical power usage for that day, the HEMS then determines that it is necessary to charge the house battery 103. The HEMS, using the half hourly mains electricity rates from step 200, determines between charging the house battery 103 using mains electricity 220, for example using cheaper overnight electricity, and charging the house battery 103 using 221 the photovoltaic cells 34. The HEMS can be programmed to minimise the cost of charging the house battery in at least some circumstances. The HEMS can be programmed to minimise the charging time for the house battery in at least some circumstances. When the HEMS determines 223 that the house battery 103 is fully charged, the HEMS stops the charging process. In step 208, if the control system 114 determines from the weather forecast data that precipitation, such as rain, sleet, snow, and / or hail is likely to occur, particularly precipitation at levels in excess of a predetermined threshold value, the control system 114 undertakes a charge status check or the community battery 108. If the control system 114 -27- determines 218 that the charge of the community battery 108 is too low, then the control system 114 charges the community battery 108, using 220 mains electricity, for example available using cheap rate electricity such as overnight electricity, and / or using an auxiliary power source 116,118. The control system 114 controls operation of the feed to the communal battery 108 to ensure that the communal battery 108 has sufficient charge stored therein to operate the drive system 106 for the elevatable buildings 102, which are powered by the communal battery 108, in the event of a flood occurring. In the event that the control system determines 216 that the charge of the communal battery 108 is high (i.e. at or close to 100%), then the control system 114 determines 225 that charging is not required. In the event that there is heavy rain but no flood alert 222, the control system 114 checks whether the mains 112 supply is still available. If the mains 112 supply is available, the control system 114 can be programmed to charge 224 the community battery 108 using the mains 112 supply, for example to charge to 100% of its capacity 227. In the event that there is heavy rain but no flood alert 222 and the automatic transfer switch (ATS) detects 226 that there is a loss of mains either prior to commencing charging of the community battery 108, or during charging of the community battery 108, the ATS sends 228 a control signal to the control system 114 to send current to the ATS, and the ATS switches 230 from the mains 112 supply to at least one of the auxiliary power supplies 116,118, and at least one of the auxiliary power supplies 116,118 charges 233 the community battery 108 to 100% 235. The control system 114 also ensures that electricity is supplied 229 from the house battery 103 to the consumer unit 105, and hence the electrical loads. In the event that a flood alert 232 is issued, for example from a flood alerts database 234, the flood alert is received 236 by the control system 114. The flood alert typically provides 12 hours of notice of the flood occurring. The flood alert activates 238 stage 2 control. In the event that the community battery 108 is fully charged when the flood alert is received, then no further action is required to prep the community battery 108. The control system 114 can determine a strategy for actuating the drive systems 106 to raise the elevatable buildings 102 in time before the flood waters arrive. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to provide residents with a warning so that they can prepare themselves for the flood, in which case raising of the elevatable houses 102 may be delayed for some hours to allow residents time to prepare for the flood. In other circumstances, it may be desirable to raise the elevatable houses 102 more quickly, for example if there is a high degree of uncertainty as to how long it will take the flood waters to arrive at the housing development. To raise the elevatable houses, the control system 114 actuates 240 the motors 106a, powering said motors 106a with mains 112 electricity if available or with electricity from the community battery 108 if the mains 112 is not available, which operates 241 the lifting mechanisms 104 to raise the platforms 15. At any stage, at least one of the water detection sensors WDSs which are mounted on bollards distributed around the site may send 242 a water detection signal to the control system 114. If the elevatable buildings 102 are already raised then no further action is required. If the elevatable buildings 102 are in the process of being raised, the control system 114 can either maintain the current speed at which the elevatable buildings 102 are being raised, or adjust the speed at which the elevatable buildings 102 are being raised in response to the signal received from at least one of the water detection sensors WDSs. For example, the control system 114 can be arranged to increase the speed at which the elevatable buildings 102 are being raised in response to the signal received from at least one water detection sensors WDSs. In the event that elevatable buildings 102 have not yet commenced a lifting operation, in response to the signal received from at least one of the water detection sensors WDSs, the control system 114 can be arranged to immediately commence a lifting operation and, in some circumstances, can lift the elevatable building 102 at the maximum speed allowable. At any stage, at least one of the water detection sensors WDSs which are mounted on the underside of platforms 15 may send 244 a water detection signal to the control system 114. If the elevatable buildings 102 are already raised then no further action is required. If the elevatable buildings 102 are in the process of being raised, the control system 114 can either maintain the current speed at which the elevatable buildings 102 are being raised, or adjust the speed at which the elevatable buildings 102 are being raised in response to the signal received from at least one of the water detection sensors WDSs. For example, the control system 114 can be arranged to increase the speed at which the elevatable buildings 102 are being raised in response to the signal received from at least one water detection sensors WDSs. In the event that elevatable buildings 102 have not yet commenced a lifting operation, in response to the signal received from at least one of the water detection sensors WDSs, the control system 114 can be arranged to immediately commence a lifting operation, and in some circumstances can lift the elevatable building 102 at the maximum speed allowable. Figure 15 shows a lifting system 300 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first embodiment in many respects, accordingly, features that are shown in Figure 15 which have equivalent features in Figure 1 have been labelled with the same reference numbers as used in Figure 1. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that each elevatable building has first and second consumer units 305a,305b (this expression is considered to also cover or a consumer unit having first and second separate parts 305a,305b), and a circuit breaker 400, for example an enabler type circuit breaker. The purpose of having the alternative consumer unit arrangement is that the first consumer unit 305a (or the first part 305a) can be electrically connected to electrical loads in the elevatable building that are considered essential. The second consumer unit 305b (or the second part 305b) can be electrically connected to electrical loads in the elevatable building that are considered non-essential. The circuit breaker 400 can be arranged to electrically isolate the second consumer unit 305b (or the second part 305b) from the power supply, such as the house battery 103, in the event of a flood situation. In this manner, the life of the house battery 103 can be prolonged during a flood situation since it is only required to electrically power essential loads. The circuit breaker 400 can be located before or after the second consumer unit 305b in the electrical circuit, according to local requirements. Figures 16a and 16 show a flow diagram that is similar to Figures 14a and 14b. Steps in Figures 16a and 16b that are equivalent to steps undertaken in the flow diagram of Figures 14a and 14b have the same reference numbers as used in Figures 14a and 14b. A difference for the second embodiment is that in the event of loss of mains power, the house battery 103 powers 229 the first consumer unit 305a (or the first part) and a control signal is sent 331 by the control system 114 to the circuit breaker 400 to isolate the second consumer unit 305b (or the second part), and hence no electricity is supplied from the house battery 103 to the non-essential loads in the house. It will be appreciated that the above examples can be modified while still falling within the scope of the invention. For example, instead of using screw jacks to raise and lower the platform, the lifting mechanism 104 can include one or more scissor lifts, and the drive system 106 can be arranged to drive operation of the scissor lifts, for example by way of an electric motor or hydraulic unit. The description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all method installation steps, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the claims. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad -31- interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "including" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, “down”, “upper” and “lower” may be used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and / or direction. The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of configuration steps or features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination. Any feature from an embodiment can be isolated from that embodiment and included in any other embodiment. The term “at least one of’ is to be interpreted in the sense of “and / or”. For example, the term “at least one of a water supply and a sewerage pipe” is to be interpreted as meaning any one of the following: the water supply alone; the sewerage line alone; or the combination of the water supply and sewerage pipe. As another example, the term “at least one of the water supply, sewerage pipe, and electricity line” is to be interpreted as meaning any one of the following: the water supply alone; the sewerage line alone; the electricity line alone; the combination of the water supply and the sewerage pipe; the combination of the water supply and the electricity line; the combination of the sewerage line and the -32- electricity line; or the combination of the water supply, the sewerage line and the electricity line.

Claims

1. An elevating system arranged to adjust the elevation of a plurality of building structures in the event of a flood occurring, the elevating system including:a. a first elevatable building, having a first foundation set into the ground; a first platform; a first building structure mounted on the first platform; a first lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the first platform relative to the first foundation; and a first drive system arranged to control operation of the first lifting mechanism to raise and lower the first platform;b. a second elevatable building, having a second foundation set into the ground; a second platform; a second building structure mounted on the second platform; a second lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the second platform relative to the second foundation; and a second drive system arranged to control operation of the second lifting mechanism to raise and lower the second platform;c. a rechargeable battery arranged to power the first and second drive systems thereby enabling the first drive system to drive the first lifting mechanism and the second drive system to drive the second lifting mechanism; andd. a control system arranged to control operation of the first and second drive systems and to control charging of the rechargeable battery, wherein the control system is arranged to receive flood alerts and / or weather forecast data, and in response to receipt of a flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data is arranged to measure the state of charge of the rechargeable battery, determine if the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is below a threshold charge value required to power the first and second drive systems to raise the first and second platforms respectively to a safe vertical height, and in a condition wherein the state of charge of the rechargeablebattery is below the threshold value, to charge the battery, using mains electricity and / or at least one auxiliary electrical supply, to a state of charge that is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

2. The elevating system according to claim 1, including at least one further elevatable building having a further foundation set into the ground; a further platform; a further building structure mounted on the further platform; a further lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the further platform relative to the further foundation; and a further drive system arranged to control operation of the further lifting mechanism to raise and lower the further platform.

3. The elevating system according to claim 2, wherein the rechargeable battery is arranged to power the further drive system thereby enabling the further drive system to drive the further lifting mechanism.

4. The elevating system of claim 2 or 4, wherein the control system is arranged to control operation of the further drive system and to control charging of the rechargeable battery, and in response to receipt of the flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data is arranged to determine if the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is below a threshold charge value required to power the first, second and the further drive systems to raise the first, second and further platforms respectively to a safe vertical height.

5. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one auxiliary electrical supply includes a generator, for example a bio diesel generator.

6. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one auxiliary electrical supply includes at least one photovoltaic cell, and preferably a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

7. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system includes means for detecting loss of a mains electrical signal, for example the control system can include an automatic transfer switch.

8. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein control system includes at least one sensor arranged to detect flood water, and preferably the control system can include a plurality of sensors arranged to detect flood water.

9. The elevating system of claim 8, wherein, in response to the at least one sensor detecting the presence of flood water, the control system is arranged to actuate the first drive system to raise the first platform and to actuate the second drive system to raise the second platform.

10. The elevating system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one sensor arranged to detect flood water is mounted to a bollard, and preferably the housing site includes a plurality of bollards, wherein each bollard includes a sensor arranged to detect flood water.

11. The elevating system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one sensor arranged to detect flood water is mounted on the first platform; and / or at least one sensor arranged to detect flood water is mounted on the second platform.

12. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, including at least one backup power supply for the first elevatable building, which is arranged to supply electricity to a first elevatable building consumer unit in the event of a loss of mains electrical power supply to the consumer unit.

13. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, including at least one second backup power supply for the second elevatable building, which is arranged to supply electricity to a second elevatable building consumer unit in the event of a loss of mains electrical power supply to the consumer unit.

14. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, including at least one further backup power supply for the further elevatable building, which is arranged to supply electricity to a further elevatable building consumer unit in the event of a loss of mains electrical power supply to the consumer unit.

15. The elevating system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein each elevatable building includes a second consumer unit and a circuit breaker arranged to isolate the second consumer unit from the backup power supply in response to a control signal, which indicates a loss of mains power supply.

16. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each elevatable building includes an energy management system.

17. The elevating system of claim 16 when dependent on any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, in response to the flood alert and / or adverse weather data, the energy management system is arranged to check the charge status of the or each backup battery, and for each backup battery that has less than 100% charge, is arranged to charge the battery to 100% capacity.

18. The elevating system of claim 16 or 17, wherein each energy management system is arranged to estimate the energy needs for its respective elevated building within the next 24 hour period, undertake a charge status check for each backup battery, and in the event that the charge status is below a value for meeting the energy needs for the next 24 hours, the control system is arranged to charge the battery.

19. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first drive system includes a first electric motor, and the control system is arranged to control operation of the first electric motor to drive the first lifting mechanism to elevate the first platform.

20. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lifting mechanisms includes a plurality of vertical shafts, which are arranged to raise and lower the first platform, and each vertical shaft includes a screw thread, for example, the first lifting mechanism can include a plurality of screwjacks, which are arranged to raise and lower the first platform.

21. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second drive system includes a second electric motor, and the control system is arranged to control operation of the second electric motor to drive the second lifting mechanism to elevate the second platform.

22. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lifting mechanisms includes a plurality of vertical shafts, which are arranged to raise and lower the second platform, each vertical shaft includes a screw thread, for example, the second lifting mechanism can include a plurality of screwjacks, which are arranged to raise and lower the second platform.

23. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the further drive system includes a further electric motor, and the control system is arranged to control operation of the further electric motor to drive the further lifting mechanism to elevate the further platform.

24. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each further lifting mechanisms includes a plurality of vertical shafts, which are arranged to raise and lower the further platform, each vertical shaft includes a screw thread, for example, the further lifting mechanism can include a plurality of screwjacks, which are arranged to raise and lower the further platform.

25. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lifting mechanism includes at least one scissor lift and the first drive system is arranged todrive the scissor lift and the second lifting mechanism includes at least one scissor lift and the second drive system is arranged to drive the scissor lift.

26. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second elevatable buildings, and optionally each further elevatable building, includes a respective adaptable connection for directing utility services from the ground level toward and / or into the habitable space, wherein the adaptable connection is capable of adapting to the height from ground level of the platform when it is raised or lowered by the lifting mechanism, thereby enabling utility services to remain connected while the platform is raised.

27. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flood warning system is a real-time flood warning system.

28. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flood warning alert comprises at least one of: digital data; an email, a Short-Message-Service (SMS) message, or radio signals from a transponder.

29. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system is programmed with platform safe height settings based on local flood risk levels.

30. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weather forecast data is a day ahead weather forecast, and is preferably obtained from a meteorology database.

31. The elevating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system is arranged to determine from the weather forecast data if it is likely to rain tomorrow.

32. A method for adjusting the elevation of a plurality of building structures in the event of a flood occurring, the method including:a. providing a first elevatable building, having a first foundation at ground level; a first platform; a first building structure mounted on the first platform; a first lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the first platform relative to the first foundation; and a first drive system arranged to control operation of the first lifting mechanism to raise and lower the first platform;b. providing a second elevatable building, having a second foundation at ground level surface; a second platform; a second building structure mounted on the second platform; a second lifting mechanism arranged to raise and lower the second platform relative to the second foundation; and a second drive system arranged to control operation of the second lifting mechanism to raise and lower the second platform;c. providing a rechargeable battery;d. providing a control system;e. the control system receiving a flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data, and in response to receiving the flood alert and / or adverse weather forecast data, measuring the state of charge of the rechargeable battery and determining if the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is below a threshold charge value which is required to power the first and second drive systems to raise the first and second platforms respectively to a safe vertical height, and in a condition wherein the state of charge of the rechargeable battery is below the threshold value, charging the battery using mains electricity and / or at least one auxiliary electrical supply, to a state of charge that is greater than or equal to the threshold value;f. the control system powering the first drive system from the rechargeable battery to drive the first lifting mechanism and powering second drive system from the rechargeable battery to drive the second lifting mechanism.Application No: GB2409118.3Examiner:Eleanor WadeClaims searched: 1 to 32Date of search: 14 November 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance A - GB2589258 A LARKFLEET; see whole document A - FR3144179 A SEMPERE; see esp. figures A - FR3144628 A PALAT et al.; see esp. figures A - WO2017 / 025737 A FLOODJACK; see whole document A - JP2022169889 A MATSUMURA; see esp. figures A - CN111877541 B QUINGDAO ZHIHUIGANG INNOVATION; see esp. figures A - WO2020 / 188394 A RAMOS; see esp. figures A - DE102013011901 A WAGNER; see esp. figuresCategories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family J7 Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB. EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC____________E04B; E04H_________________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search reportSEARCH - PATENTInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From E04H 0009 / 14 01 / 01 / 2006 E04B 0001 / 343 01 / 01 / 2006

Images